Illegal behaviour can lead to interactions with the police, criminal charges, and involvement in the criminal justice system. From your first interactions with the police through court appearances and possibly a trial, you have rights to ensure that you are treated fairly. Detailed information about selected offences such as those related to traffic safety, cannabis, and assaults is also covered here.
Police enforce laws including criminal laws, traffic rules and bylaws.You have certain rights and obligations when you are dealing with the police and options if you think you have been treated unfairly.
In Canada, crimes must be set out in a written law so people can be certain about what behaviour is against the law and know what penalty applies when a law is broken. Not knowing that something is a crime is not an excuse under the law. Everyone is expected to know what is against the law.
When an individual is charged with a criminal offence, their case will proceed through criminal court. Matters heard here include bail hearings, first appearances, election and plea, trials and sentencing.
This section covers some common offences including assault and sexual assault, driving offences, and cannabis related crimes and offences.
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